Fashion on the Western Front

Designer Raf Simons gave a nod to Americana with tip-to-toe denim for his first collection for the Calvin Klein label, fall 2017.

A saddle bag has cowgirl connotations, but in loden it’s a completely modern update. $295, clarev.com.

No need to be literal with fringe. This hem keeps the dowdy out of a midi skirt ($25.90, zara.com). The jacket is a traditional shape but in beige vinyl ($149, zara.com) it’s a lot more fun.

A washed-denim, slightly oversize gauze shirt with gathered sleeves plays well with jeans or a denim skirt. The fluttery sleeve balances the straight-leg jean. $78, sold out at made well.com.

Studded with gunmetal balls, this slim belt would look chic wrapped and styled over a knit dress or looped through jeans. $148, nordstrom.com.

Plaid goes flirty in this sheer cotton tartan shirt from Tommy Hilfiger. $119.50, usa.tommy.com.

No ordinary denim jacket, this one from Zara features long, puffy sleeves. Gem patches gussy it up. $89.90, zara.com.

It’s easy to fall for the fringe on this Duchess Western ankle boot from Ariat. The perfect heel for strutting city streets or out on the range. $159.95, nordstrom.com.

This silk blouse’s snap buttons and piping with puff sleeves and a cherry print are a girly take on the western trend. $495, coach.com.

My friend’s khaki pants with that cool side stripe.

WHEN MEGA-talent Raf Simons filled the fall 2017 runway for Calvin Klein with head-to-toe denim and metal-tipped cowboy boots, trend watchers took note. Other designers followed suit on this western vibe with plaid shirts, bold studded belts, embellished booties and fringe. Fashion publications like Harper’s Bazaar and the Wall Street Journal magazine got on the bandwagon showing models cavorting on horses and through the tumbleweed in prairie skirts, patched jackets and distressed boots.  W magazine assured us the trend had legs for seasons to come. Like a lot of looks that are touted every new season, I ignored it. But then savvy managing editor Nancy McKeon asked me whether I thought any of these styles could have a place or fit into a grown-up girl’s wardrobe. Hmm.

It wasn’t until a friend of mine showed up at a lecture a couple of weeks ago wearing a light blue denim shirt with navy-and-gold side-striped khaki pants (both purchased from J. Crew) that I had an answer to that question. My pal looked polished but comfortable, nor would I be in the least surprised if when I see her again, she’ll be pairing either pants or shirt with a suede leather jacket and maybe some low, stack-heeled boots.  No rodeos or prairies in sight.

So, if you have an itch to incorporate a little bit of western in your everyday clothing, take a gander at some photos of what we’re hankerin’ for above.

—Janet Kelly